Hi, folks. I’m renewing my interest in older, traditional slipjoint knives. I have a good, basic understanding of techniques for removing gunk and rust from blades, but I’m hoping you can help me with info on cleaning shields attached to the covers. If there is rust and perhaps what looks like peppering on a shield, would attempting to remove these risk discoloring the shield? I’m interested in this for application to all brands as I seek out knives but at the moment specifically looking at a Schrade USA era knife available online that looks nice except for a couple of dark spots on the shield. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks to all.
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Cleaning Shields on Slipjoint Knives
- Thread starter Hondo33
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I would personally try a dot of Brasso (or steel cleaner) on a Q-tip so as not to possibly damage or discolor the surrounding scale (especially if it's an older knife). As with anything else, slow and steady will help here. As for pitting, you probably are not removing that, but rust spots should be easy to remove with little issue.
Thanks. I’d start very gently as you suggest but, if that doesn’t work, I wonder if rubbing a shield with Flitz or similar that’s a bit abrasive would be problematic. Specifically, are the older Schrade shields solid nickel silver or is there some surface plating that is at risk of being worn through?
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No, it shouldn't. People on the Porch (the Traditional section which is probably where a mod should move this so as to be seen by more experienced folks) use Flitz all the time, so that should work as well.
Blues
The Porch will definitely be able to help Hondo out on this.Thanks very much. Would be happy for this to be moved to the appropriate place. I hate to be “that guy” whose first post is in the wrong sub forum.No, it shouldn't. People on the Porch (the Traditional section which is probably where a mod should move this so as to be seen by more experienced folks) use Flitz all the time, so that should work as well.
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Posting a photo of the knife and shield would be very helpful, in gathering advice that will be specific and pertinent.
I'm betting there's not too much risk though, in polishing spots out of a shield on an older traditional knife. I've never seen or heard of issues with plated shields, or even that they exist at all. I think all I've seen are solid metal (nickel silver, pot metal or something else). And I don't recall ever seeing any posts here mentioning any damage related to polishing shields on older knives.
It's good that this can also be redirected to the Traditional Forum for more input. Should get good advice there.
I'm betting there's not too much risk though, in polishing spots out of a shield on an older traditional knife. I've never seen or heard of issues with plated shields, or even that they exist at all. I think all I've seen are solid metal (nickel silver, pot metal or something else). And I don't recall ever seeing any posts here mentioning any damage related to polishing shields on older knives.
It's good that this can also be redirected to the Traditional Forum for more input. Should get good advice there.